Physeal Sparing Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction With Suture Anchor for Femoral Fixation of Graft

Background: Patellar instability is a common problem in the active pediatric population. Physeal sparing medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction using a soft suture anchor for femoral graft fixation has the proposed advantages of diminishing volumetric bony removal from the epiphysis, increasing the margin of safety with respect to notch, trochlear, and/or physeal damage, as well as reducing the risk of thermal damage to the physis during socket reaming. Indications: MPFL reconstruction is indicated in patients with recurrent patellar instability with MPFL tear or attenuation on magnetic resonance imaging or failure of conservative treatment. Physeal sparing techniques are necessary in the pediatric population to prevent growth disturbance and deformities that can lead to significant long-term disability. Technique Description: The patient was placed in supine position. Following examination under anesthesia, diagnostic arthroscopy was performed to assess for patellofemoral chondral defects. The surgical technique required 6 steps: (1) medial patellar dissection, (2) patellar anchor placement with 1.8-mm suture anchors, (3) medial femoral dissection over Schottle’s point, (4) femoral anchor placement using 2.8-mm double loaded anchor, (5) allograft femoral fixation, and (6) allograft patellar fixation. After skin closure, examination under anesthesia was repeated. Results: The patient was weight-bearing as tolerated immediately after surgery, using a brace for the first 6 weeks. Rehabilitation progressed from regaining range of motion, strengthening of the operative extremity, and returning to sport activities. In the senior author’s experience using this technique, there have been no recurrent patellar dislocations and no evidence of growth disturbance or angulation. One patient did find that the graft was prominent over the femoral epicondyle and returned to the operating room for debulking at 9 months postoperatively. Discussion/Conclusion: In conclusion, we propose that physeal sparing MPFL reconstruction using soft anchors for patellar and femoral fixation offers a simple and safe technique with reproducible anatomic graft placement and favorable clinical outcomes. This technique is technically simple and can be easily learned by surgeons familiar with adult MPFL reconstruction techniques. The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.